The IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node is part of IBM Flex System, a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capability into a single system that is easy to deploy and manage. IBM Flex System has full built-in virtualization support of servers, storage, and networking to speed provisioning and increase resiliency. In addition, it supports open industry standards such as operating systems, networking and storage fabrics, virtualization, and system management protocols, to easily fit within existing and future datacenter environments. IBM Flex System is scalable and extendable with multigeneration investments.

The most forward-thinking companies will completely rethink the way they deploy and manage their IT environments by evolving to a more open, agile, and integrated computing system that is dynamically managed from a single vantage point to simultaneously maximize efficiency and innovation.

By doing this, companies can:

Improve efficiency and utilization through integration

Optimize heterogeneous environments, providing the right architecture

Increase speed and dexterity at the enterprise level

Improve control through simplicity, automation, compliance, and security

IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node (SEN)

Support for 12 x 2.5-inch hot-swap SSDs or HDDs using common Gen-2 drive tray

Support for mixed HDD / SSD configurations

Support for SAS and SATA connected drives

RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, and 6 support

512 MB and 1 GB cache with cache-to-flash SuperCap offload

RAID, SAS expander and disk drive updates performed in-band via the operating system on compute node

Easy access to drives for hot-swap replacement

Management function using the management controller on the compute node through the interposer cable/connector port

IBM Flex System Fabric EN4093R 10 Gb Scalable Switch - 95Y3309

This 10 Gb scalable switch offers uncompromised scalability, throughput, and performance. This switch can help clients migrate to 10 Gb infrastructure and offers virtualization features like Virtual Fabric and VMready® . Clients should consider this switch if they:

Are building a 10 Gb Ethernet Infrastructure or migrating from 1 Gb to 10 Gb (mixed environment)

Are deploying virtualization

Want investment protection to upgrade to more ports and bandwidth (40 GbE)

Some of the key features of this switch are:

This is a triple-density switch with the ability to scale based onyour needs.

It offers a total 64 ports with up to 42 internal 10Gb ports and 22external 10 Gb ports.

This switch upgrade can be applied when you requireadditional uplink support for 2 ports of 40 Gb (or 8 ports of 10 Gb with optional break-out cables). The upgrade will enable 14 additionl internal 10 Gb ports, one to each compute node, and two 40 Gb uplinks. These 40 Gb uplinks are QSFP+ connectors but can beconverted to four 10 Gb uplinks using an optional break-out cable.

This switch upgrade can be applied independent of Upgrade 1 oron top of Upgrade 1 when you want to support 6 additional external Omni ports or if you just want more uplink bandwidth on the base switch.This upgrade will also enable 14 additional internal 10 Gb ports, one to each compute node.

IBM Systems Information Centers provide you with a single site where you can access product documentation for IBM systems hardware, operating systems, and server software. Through a consistent framework, you can efficiently find information and personalize your access. The IBM Systems information Centers are at

Global Technology Services

IBM services include business consulting, outsourcing, hosting services, applications, and other technology management.

These services help you learn about, plan, install, manage, or optimize your IT infrastructure to be an on-demand business. They can help you integrate your high-speed networks, storage systems, application servers, wireless protocols, and an array of platforms, middleware, and communications software for IBM and many non-IBM offerings. IBM is your one-stop shop for IT support needs.

For details on available services, contact your IBM representative or visit

System x and BladeCenter support services

Recommended core technical support

When you buy IBM System x technology, include the support services you need -- to help keep both your hardware and software working for you, day after day, at peak performance. It's your first step toward helping to protect your investment and sustain high levels of system availability. We offer service-level and response-time options to fit your business needs. And we'll help you get started with a core support package that includes:

Continuous system monitoring

Electronic monitoring that helps speed up problem-solving with automated, early detection of potential problems and system errors.

Note: Government regulations (such as those prescribed by OSHA or European Community Directives) may govern noise level exposure in the workplace and may apply to you and your server installation. This IBM system is available with an optional acoustical door feature that can help reduce the sound emitted from this system. The actual sound pressure levels in your installation depend upon a variety of factors, including the number of racks in the installation; the size, materials, and configuration of the room; the noise levels from other equipment; the room ambient temperature; and employees' location in relation to the equipment. Further, compliance with such government regulations also depends upon a variety of additional factors, including the duration of employees' exposure and whether employees wear hearing protection. IBM recommends that you consult with qualified experts in this field to determine whether you are in compliance with the applicable regulations.

Compatibility

Contact your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, or refer to the IBM Sales Manual for information on the compatibility of hardware and software for System x servers. The Sales Manual is updated periodically as new features and options are announced that support these servers.

Limitations

Regarding the use of solid-state disk drives, solid-state memory cells have an intrinsic, finite number of write cycles that each cell can incur. As a result, each solid-state device has a maximum amount of write cycles to which it can be subjected, documented as TBW (Total Bytes Written). IBM is not responsible for replacement of hardware that has reached the maximum guaranteed number of write cycles. This limit may be revealed as the device failing to respond to system-generated commands or becoming incapable of being written to. Additional information is available at

Planning information

Customer responsibilities

The IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node is designated as customer setup. Customer setup instructions are shipped with each system.

Cable orders

All cables are supplied with the IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node. Depending on the applications, the cables may be fully installed, partially installed (plugged at one end and packaged for shipping), or included as part of a shipment group.

Packaging

Ship group

The system carton contains the system unit and a ship-group kit containing the following documents and CDs:

Important Notices booklet

IBM Warranty Information booklet

Product Documentation CD that includes the following documents:

Installation and Service Guide

IBM Safety Information

Product machine code license and other licenses and notices

Environmental Notice and User Guide Documentation CD

The Installation and Service Guide on the Product Documentation CD contains the installation, use, and troubleshooting information necessary to use and service the product.

Supplies

None

Security, auditability, and control

The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities.

MES discount applicable

No

Field installable feature

Yes

Warranty period

One year

An IBM part or feature installed during the initial installation of an IBM machine is subject to a full warranty effective on the date of installation of the machine. An IBM part or feature that replaces a previously installed part or feature assumes the remainder of the warranty period for the replaced part or feature. An IBM part or feature added to a machine without replacing a previously installed part or feature is subject to a full warranty effective on its date of installation. Unless specified otherwise, the warranty period, type of warranty service, and service level of a part or feature are the same as those for the machine in which it is installed.

The following has been designated as consumables or supply items and is, therefore, not covered by this warranty:

None

The following part has been designated as a Tier 1 CRU:

SEN

Customer setup

Yes

Machine code

No

All other terms and conditions are the same as those applicable to the IBM machine type in which the feature is installed.

Trademarks

IBM Flex System and PureFlex are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

IBM, ServerProven, System Storage, VMready, CloudBurst and System x are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Terms of use

IBM products and services which are announced and available in your country can be ordered under the applicable standard agreements, terms, conditions, and prices in effect at the time. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice. This announcement is provided for your information only. Additional terms of use are located at